Willamette Valley News, Friday 5/15 – Lane County Parks Celebrates National Public Works Week With Park Tours, Lane County Ranks No. 1 on List of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers Sixth Year in a Row & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Thursday, May 15, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

Lane County Government – Lane County Elections Livestream Running

 · Watch our Lane County Elections livestream

Nothing good on TV? We got you. Our Elections livestream up! You can watch on YouTube and see the Lane County Elections Office as it works to receive, process and count ballots. It’s part of our commitment to transparency in elections. The livestream will remain active through the certification of election results on June 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyc69m_gGok

Lane County voters: remember to sign the return envelope and return your ballots early

Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, May 19.

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 19, 2026 and received no later than May 26, 2026 to be counted. USPS recommends putting a ballot in the mail seven days before the election or getting a manual hand-stamp postmark at the service counter of local post offices.
• A 24/7 County ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on May 19. Help save taxpayer dollars by avoiding the postage and using a drop box, managed directly by Lane County Elections.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by May 19, 2026 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).

“In Oregon we have three great ways for voters to return ballots and have really focused on maximizing convenience and reducing barriers for voters,” said Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong. “As long as voters are aware of the ballot return deadlines, they can ensure their ballots are received in time to ensure their votes are counted.”

Lane County’s 21 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, May 19, 2026.  Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of drop box locations is included with every ballot.

Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  And also statewide here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

1. Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it.  Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.
2. Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope. It’s forgery.
3. Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections.  Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.  
4. Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.  

Voters with questions can email elections@LaneCountyOR.gov or call 541-682-4234.

For voting information, go here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting-elections/Pages/default.aspx

About the Lane County Elections Office: The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

Lane County Parks Invites Community to Celebrate National Public Works Week With Park Tours

Lane County Parks invites the community to celebrate National Public Works Week in May with a series of short, guided park tours. Each tour runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and offers a look at current projects, planned improvements, and how park levy funds are being used.

Public Works Week recognizes the essential role public works staff play in keeping parks safe, functional, and accessible. From maintaining infrastructure to stewarding natural areas, their work touches daily life in meaningful ways.

During the week, Lane County Parks staff will lead tours at four locations – Harbor Vista, Armitage Park, Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA), and Blue Mountain Park – sharing updates on improvements, upcoming projects, and how park levy funds are being put to work.

Tour Schedule:

• Monday, May 18 – Harbor Vista Park in Florence
  Explore camping areas, cabins, and day-use spaces while learning about recent and upcoming improvements, including a completed restroom remodel, new hiker/biker campsites, and planned parking lot paving at the North Jetty.
• Tuesday, May 19 – Armitage Park & Campground in Eugene
  Walk through some of the park’s most-used areas, including the boat launch, trails, and dog park. Hear about recent upgrades and ongoing work to improve the dog park and traffic flow.
• Thursday, May 21 – Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA), East Trailhead near Pleasant Hill  
  Take a guided walk through areas shaped by prescribed fire. Learn how fire supports healthy ecosystems and see firsthand how the landscape responds to these management practices.
• Friday, May 22 – Blue Mountain Park outside Cottage Grove, OR
  Visit this lesser-known park outside Cottage Grove along Mosby Creek. The tour will highlight day-use areas, recent improvements to picnic amenities and parking, and ongoing fuels reduction work that supports long-term park health.

“These tours are an opportunity to connect the community with the work happening in their parks and to hear what parks mean to them,” said Lane County Parks Communications Coordinator Laura Linn.

Community members are encouraged to attend one or more tours to learn more about the parks they enjoy and the work that goes into maintaining them.

Lane County Ranks No. 1 on List of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers Sixth Year in a Row

Lane County has been recognized as the #1 healthiest employer in Oregon (1500-4999 employees) for the sixth year in a row by the Portland Business Journal.

This recognition reflects Lane County’s deep, long-standing commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and resilience of its workforce. The County’s wellness strategy is comprehensive and forward-thinking, offering high‑value benefits that promote physical fitness, mental health, financial stability, and chronic disease prevention for employees and their families.

These wellness investments also help manage taxpayer costs by reducing the likelihood of high‑cost medical claims. For example, access to and encouragement for screening can help catch cancers early, when treatment is less invasive, more effective, and significantly less expensive.

“This award is a testament to the employees and their families who actively engage in their well‑being and help sustain Lane County’s culture of health,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “We are proud to consistently rank at or near the top of employers across Oregon and will continue to invest in our employees, while seeking to steward taxpayer resources.”

In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Lane County was ranked third healthiest large employer in Oregon, and in 2018 was listed within the top 100 healthiest employers nationally. In 2020, Lane County was ranked second healthiest larger employer. In 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Lane County was ranked the #1 healthiest larger employer and in 2022 was listed sixth on the healthiest 100 workplaces in America.

Employers are ranked on six categories which include: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. There are five employer size categories: small (2-99 employees), medium (100-499), large (500-1499), larger (1500-4999), and largest (5000+). — See the announcement from Portland Business Journal.

The Augusta Sportswear plant in Coburg will close in July resulting in the elimination of 83 jobs.

The company said a limited number of workers will be eligible to transfer to other Momentec Brands facilities.

Momentec Brands on Wednesday notified state workforce officials about the closure, which is expected to happen mid July.

Dr. James McGovern is no longer PeaceHealth’s chief hospital executive for the Oregon Network, according to a PeaceHealth press release.

According to the release, the change is effective immediately. PeaceHealth President and CEO Sarah Ness said McGovern’s departure is in the organization’s best interest.

“Following a period of administrative leave, we determined that a leadership change was in the best interest of the organization,” Ness said.

McGovern was placed on administrative leave April 9 pending a review of accusations he acted outside the scope of his administrative medical license. The RiverBend Medical Executive Committee raised concerns with PeaceHealth that McGovern was attempting to influence patient care.

McGovern holds an administrative medical license and is not licensed to practice medicine in Oregon. The administrative medical license does not allow for direct patient care or clinical decision-making.

More than 300 pages of documented instances were submitted to the PeaceHealth System Board of Directors by the RiverBend Medical Executive Committee March 19. The materials outlined communications from 2022 to 2025, in which McGovern reportedly overstepped his administrative role and attempted to influence care decisions.

McGovern’s leave came amid PeaceHealth’s attempt to install a new management organization to staff its Lane County emergency departments.

McGovern was part of the committee that decided to replace Eugene Emergency Physicians, a democratic and independent physician group that has staffed PeaceHealth’s Lane County EDs for the past 35 years, with Georgia-based ApolloMD. ApolloMD planned to staff EDs with doctors from an LLC the management services organization set up called Lane Emergency Physicians.

Eugene Emergency Physicians challenged the legality of the move, citing violations of Oregon’s Senate Bill 951, which prohibits management services organizations from engaging in both administrative duties and patient-care decisions. The ensuing lawsuit played out in federal court as the first test of the law. Eugene Emergency Physicians and PeaceHealth settled, renewing the physicians’ contract for the next three years.

In an April 9 meeting, RiverBend’s medical staff passed multiple motions related to McGovern’s behavior and the proposed staffing change. Motions were to place McGovern on administrative leave pending a full review, to reverse the decision to award ApolloMD the ED staffing contract and to reinstate Eugene Emergency Physicians. The motion to reconsider the contract award to ApolloMD was “based on new evidence suggesting potential bias” and “possible retaliatory influence” from McGovern.

The Medical Executive Committee issued a formal reprimand to McGovern for “actions that endangered patient safety” and planned to file a report with the Oregon Medical Board about McGovern.

The Oregon Medical Board declined to comment on whether a complaint has been received or if a licensee is under investigation, as information is only publicly available if an investigation results in Board action. (SOURCE)

Solidarity Social: A Benefit for Our Immigrant Neighbors

Join us for an evening of community, connection, and purpose! Sunday, May 31 5–8 PM Hybrid Gallery & Event SpaceCome enjoy: Live music No-host food & drinks Activities for kids Silent auction Dancing & more Sliding scale tickets: $10–$30 Plan ahead: Street parking and nearby lots available (where permitted). Carpool, walk, or bike if you can!

All proceeds support Oregon Community Asylum Network and Catholic Community Services of Lane County Refugee & Immigrant Services Program — helping our immigrant neighbors access safety, stability, and opportunity.Let’s come together in solidarity and make a meaningful impact. https://www.thehybrideugene.com/events/p/solidarity-social

Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.

“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.

For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:

Food Finder

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

Every weekend, the volunteer crew at Burrito Brigade rolls hundreds of delicious vegan burritos to help close the hunger gap here in Eugene. Each box of tortillas — just $18.95 — helps feed 120 neighbors.

Could you spare $18.95 to help? Even better — could you make it a monthly donation to keep those burritos rolling all year long?

Every dollar makes a difference in these times of need. Thank you for being part of the Brigade. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation…/we-rise-by-lifting-others Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714)

White Bird Clinic

This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/

Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

EWEB Emergency Water Stations

The final emergency water station has been officially installed in Eugene as part of the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s disaster preparedness plan.

This is where people can access water in case of earthquakes, wildfires, or other events that could disrupt or limit access to the city’s water system.

Other locations are the Eugene Science Center, Howard Elementary School, Prairie Mountain School, Amazon Park-YMCA, the Sheldon Fire Station, and the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds.

All seven locations across the city of Eugene draw their water from underground wells. The intent is to provide individuals up to two gallons of water a day during an emergency. MORE INFO at EWEB: https://www.eweb.org/projects/emergency-water-stations

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

5/15/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Simple weekend projects in the first five feet around your home can be crucial in determining whether you withstand a wildfire or face severe damage.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal urges residents to mark the beginning of Wildfire Awareness Month by undertaking at least one project focused on creating defensible space or enhancing home hardening this week.

Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety indicates that minimizing combustible materials in this critical zone can greatly reduce the likelihood of a home igniting from wind-driven embers. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe, Oregonians can prepare by tackling these projects incrementally.

Start today by clearing leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris from roofs, gutters, and decks to prevent ember ignition, covering vents with 1/8-inch metal wire mesh to block ember entry, relocating combustible items like furniture and trash cans at least five feet from the house, opting for gravel or pavers instead of bark mulch in the immediate vicinity, and maintaining lawns in a lean, clean, and green state during fire season.

Opioid Settlement Board allocated $90 million for prevention, treatment, recovery services across Oregon

What you should know: 

• The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board allocated more than $90 million over the past two years to support substance use and recovery services and supports.
• Thirty percent—more than $27 million—went to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.
• Eighty-one Oregon cities and counties received more than $71 million.

– The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) has allocated more than $90 million statewide for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services and supports statewide over the last two years, according to a new report that details spending in 2024-2025.

“These investments will create lasting, positive change in Oregon’s prevention, treatment and recovery systems, supporting vital programs for those impacted by the overdose and substance use disorder crisis,” said OSPTR Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph. “Together, we are seizing a historic opportunity to build and strengthen high-impact initiatives that reach those who need them most.”

During the 2023–2025 biennium, from July 2023 to June 2025, the OSPTR Board allocated 30% of the state portion of opioid settlement funds— $27.7 million—to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.

A total of 81 cities and counties received 55% of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds. Local jurisdictions spent the funds primarily on supporting people in treatment and recovery (29%) and connecting people who need help to care (26%).

The OSPTR Board funds have paid for a range of care around the state, including:

• $14.3 million to expand existing Oregon opioid treatment programs in high-needs areas, including The Dalles, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Oregon City, Gresham, NE Oregon, rural Linn County, East Lane County, Florence and the North Coast, and for training and technical assistance to jails to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder.
• $13.7 million for the Save Lives Oregon Clearinghouse to distribute naloxone and other life-saving supplies to organizations statewide.
• $13.7 million to support primary prevention programs—those that help prevent substance use before it starts—through counties and community-based organizations, and to replenish and strengthen the statewide substance use disorder prevention workforce.
• $13 million to establish new recovery community centers in Coos Bay, Roseburg, Grants Pass and in the Gorge, and for expansions of existing recovery community centers in Klamath Falls, Portland and Medford, with a focus on expanding access to culturally specific services across the state.

About the OSPTR Board

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreements several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, more than $700 million will be awarded to Oregon by 2039.

Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).

The state’s share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board. OHA provides administrative support to the fund and board.

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

Oregon overdose deaths declined in 2024, 2025

New data show fewer fentanyl overdoses, but continued strain on emergency services

– Oregon’s overdose deaths have decreased over the past two years, according to provisional federal data and a new report released by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Preliminary data show there were around 1,100 deaths in 2025, representing a continued downward trend, although the total is likely to increase slightly as more data from 2025 is processed. A total of 1,544 people died of a drug overdose in 2024, down from 1,833 in 2023.

The decline marks the first year-over-year decline since 2016, according to a legislatively mandated report on the ongoing statewide overdose crisis.

“This improvement is the result of deep partnerships between state agencies, behavioral health providers, local officials and law enforcement and shows what is possible when all of us work together,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said. “We have to stay on track. Together, we can save the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.” 

John W. Mcllveen, Ph.D., Oregon’s State Opioid Treatment Authority, said that while all overdose deaths are tragic, and historically underserved communities and populations still bear the brunt of the opioid crisis, the data show Oregon’s investments in prevention, treatment and harm reduction are helping save lives.

“But with fentanyl and methamphetamine still involved in most deaths, continued collaboration is critical to sustaining this progress,” he said, noting that more than 90% of the reported overdose deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or some combination of both.

There were 4,193 in-patient overdose-related hospitalizations, and 10,365 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, according to the report. Those totals do not account for overdoses that are reversed in the community, using opioid-reversing medications such as naloxone.

In 2024, 62.2% of Oregon overdose deaths involved multiple substances (polysubstance), with the majority (70%) of polysubstance overdose deaths involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Addressing this issue requires a cross-agency, multisector response to simultaneously address factors contributing to substance use and overdose.

Some investments contributing to Oregon’s decrease in overdoses include:

• Funding the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse, which partners with community-based and front-line organizations to provide direct services to people experiencing fentanyl addiction and other substance use issues.
• Expanding investments in opioid treatment programs and services throughout the state.

• Funding Behavioral Health Regional Networks (BHRNs). This statewide network of services and supports, available in every Oregon county, serves people with substance use disorders regardless of their ability to pay.
• Funding prevention programs and peer services and supports around the state.

“The sustained decline in overdose deaths is encouraging to see, but we still have a long way to go,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “Continued investment by the state and community partners across the full spectrum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery is needed to keep overdoses on a downward trajectory.”

You can see Jeanne’s complete interview here.

Ways to save lives in your community:

• Learn how to administer naloxone with this Save Lives Oregon video
• Connect with your regional overdose prevention coordinator to learn about local overdose prevention activities and resources.
• Find more overdose and prevention resources on OHA’s website.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Memorial Day Event in Salem

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25 in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.

This event honors Oregon’s fallen service members from all eras of service and will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”

The ceremony will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park, located directly across the street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE in Salem. This event is being temporarily relocated from its traditional annual location at the World War II Memorial due to adjacent construction taking place on the Capitol grounds.

The event is open to the public, and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be available. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Memorial Day Events — In addition to the Capitol ceremony, ODVA maintains a Statewide Memorial Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations honoring Oregon’s fallen heroes.

To view events near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

Organizations and communities hosting Memorial Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar by using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit oregon.gov/odva.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.  

Comments sought on draft State Plan on Aging by June 12

– Oregon’s draft 2026-2030 State Plan on Aging — which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families and other unpaid care providers are served — is available for review. The public is asked to provide comments on the plan to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) by 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026. To review the draft State Plan and a summary of the plan, visit the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) community engagement webpage.

The plan is developed by APD in consultation with a variety of ODHS councils and commissions, Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal Elders programs and community-based organizations. Community member input was also gathered through a community input session and a community needs survey. The plan is required under the Older Americans Act of 1965. It is a contract with the Administration on Aging, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and enables Oregon to receive funds under the Older Americans Act.

Oregon’s draft State Plan on Aging for 2026-2030 has four focus areas:

• Older Americans Act (OAA) Core Programs, which include supportive services, nutrition, disease prevention/health promotion and caregiver programs as well as the OAA’s programs for Tribal members and communities including  supporting elder rights.
• Populations with the greatest economic need and greatest social needs
• Access to home and community-based services; and
• Caregiving.

Public input will be used as APD finalizes its proposed State Plan on Aging, which it submits to the federal Administration for Community Living. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. Information about the public hearing is posted to the APD community engagement webpage.

To submit comments on the draft State Plan on Aging:

• Email comments to SUA.email@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Mail comments to:

ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities

Attn: Debbie McCuin

500 Summer St., N.E., E-12

Salem, OR 97301

Learn more about the State Plan on Aging

• Oregon’s current State Plan on Aging
• https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2020-04/Older%20Americans%20Act%20Of%201965%20as%20amended%20by%20Public%20Law%20116-131%20on%203-25-2020.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Older Americans Act federal statute
• Federal https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/AoA_Form_Grants_State_Plan_Guidance_508_final.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Guidance for Developing State Plans on Aging
• https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01913.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Older Americans Act Final Rule: 2024 final rule to update regulations implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs for States, area agencies on aging and Tribal organizations.

About the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities

APD’s vision is to ensure Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain in

Man Posing as Utility Worker Attempts to Kidnap Woman, Thwarted by 85-year-old Hero

Video of arrest available here: https://vimeo.com/1192423580?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

JCSO Case 26-2328 MEDFORD, Ore. – A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted a man today May 14, on 10 charges including stalking, attempted kidnapping, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.  The charges stemmed from a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) investigation involving a 42-year-old man posing as a utility worker attempted to kidnap a 25-year-old woman from a mobile home park in rural Medford.

The suspect, Matthew Hokulii Aranda, 42, a Medford area transient, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, two counts of stalking, unlawful use of a global positioning system device, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.  

On the morning of May 8, the victim was working as a caregiver at a mobile home park in the 3900 block of South Stage Road. The investigation revealed Aranda, posing as a utility worker, waited for his victim for several hours before using a taser to incapacitate and physically attack her. An 85-year-old resident heard the victim screaming and confronted the armed suspect, allowing the victim to escape to her vehicle.

Aranda then tased the “Good Samaritan” for his efforts and chased his victim with a large hunting knife. She was able to get to the safety of her car. Aranda jumped onto the hood, but fell off as the victim drove away, suffering injuries in the process.

Law enforcement located Aranda injured and hiding in a nearby bush where he was arrested without further incident. JCSO was assisted by Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, and Jacksonville Police Department.

This case is under further investigation. There is no additional information available for release at this time.

Visitors planning to explore Oregon’s state parks this summer should be aware of new regulations that have been implemented this year. Notably, several parks have prohibited drone usage due to environmental concerns, although permits can be obtained for flying in non-restricted areas.

Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to campfire safety guidelines, ensuring that fires are completely extinguished after use, as certain regions may impose total fire bans later in the season based on assessments from local and state fire agencies.

Furthermore, an increasing number of parks are now charging day-use parking fees, and a more stringent cancellation policy for reservations will be enforced, as noted by Lauren Wirtis from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For further details on these regulations, please visit the department’s website.

BLM prepares to open campgrounds for 2026 recreation season

Know Before You Go and check local fire restrictions to stay safe and informed

As spring temperatures rise, the Bureau of Land Management is excited to welcome visitors to public lands across Oregon and Washington for the 2026 recreation season. While many sites are moving to full-service operations, the BLM urges people to plan ahead, practice “Know Before You Go” safety and strictly adhere to upcoming seasonal fire restrictions.

“Each year we look forward to welcoming visitors back,” said Jim Regan-Vienop, Klamath Falls Acting Field Manager. “Public lands offer everyone a chance to unwind, explore, and appreciate the landscapes we all share.”

BLM recreation areas offer a broad selection of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating across a wide variety of landscapes.

Most seasonal campgrounds across Oregon and Washington open by mid-May, though specific dates vary based on local conditions and elevation. The BLM encourages all visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these shared spaces for future generations.

Safe recreation begins with thorough planning; always share your itinerary with someone at home and be prepared to “Pack It In, Pack It Out” if facilities have limited trash service early in the season. For those drawn to the region’s rivers, water safety is paramount, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and check local water conditions before launching.

Public safety depends on responsible fire practices. Before heading out, visitors are urged to verify if campfires are permitted at their specific destination, as high-danger periods often restrict fires to designated steel rings in improved campgrounds only or restrict open flames completely. The BLM reminds everyone to never leave a fire unattended and to use the “Drown, Stir, and Feel” method to ensure coals are cold to the touch before departing.

For the most up-to-date information on specific site availability and local fire danger levels, please visit the BLM Oregon/Washington webpage or contact your local District Office.

Nearly 100 local measures on primary ballots across Oregon, many to fund struggling fire districts

Voters in almost every Oregon county will vote in May on whether to raise property taxes to fund schools, libraries, parks and fire departments

Voters in a third of Oregon’s 36 counties will vote during the May primary on whether to raise local property taxes to fund struggling fire districts and departments.

The tax levies and bonds for firefighting and emergency services are among nearly 100 local ballot measures Oregonians in 30 counties will be asked to vote on by May 19. Others include raising local property taxes and bonding — essentially taking out a loan — to pay for schools, libraries and parks. Some voters will decide whether to annex land into their city, end mandated conversations about changing Oregon’s border with Idaho and change city charters — a sort of rulebook for how cities operate.

Fire 

How to fund fire departments is by far the most common question local voters will decide across Oregon. In 12 counties, 28 fire districts are asking voters for a tax levy or bond to help pay for staff and operations, and one fire district in Sandy is asking voters about being annexed into the Clackamas Fire District.

Property taxes fund the bulk of local fire departments and fire districts, but Measures 5 and 50 that passed in the 1990s essentially limited the growth of those taxes across the state by basing property values on a rate-limited assessment rather than market worth.

Other property tax suppressants, such as urban renewal districts and enterprise zones meant to incentivize development and job growth with low to no property taxes for a number of years also siphon off dollars fire departments could use, said Brian Stewart, assistant chief of strategic services at Clackamas Fire and the legislative chair for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

“We’re all across the state feeling the pressures. We’re all underfunded for what the community expectations are,” Stewart said.

Low revenues coupled with rising community needs from fire departments has led many to try and get by on volunteers and thin budgets.

“Firefighters across the state are emergency first responders to paramedics. When you think about strokes, cardiac arrests, respiratory arrest, all those things — time is against us — and so we need to have the resources available in force for structural fires, and we need to have them available in force for those really critical emergency events,” he said.

Departments also rely on state and federal grants and partnerships, but those dollars are also in higher demand as fire seasons that used to last from late July through August now stretch from May to October, he said. And if they aren’t responding to more wildfires, they are responding to bigger structural fires due to homes and buildings being made and furnished with cheap materials that burn hotter and faster than they have in previous decades, he added.

Libraries, parks and schools

Fire districts aren’t the only public service providers hamstrung by revenue losses from Measures 5 and 50. Voters in 16 counties are being asked to approve a new bond or property tax increase, or renew one, to help fund schools, parks and libraries.

Hood River’s Parks and Recreation District is asking voters to approve a bond to construct a new pool at the Hood River Aquatic Center, which has been relatively untouched since it was built in 1948, according to reporting by Uplift Local. Measure 50 froze the park district’s property tax revenue rate at 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the last three decades. If the bond passes, taxpayers would chip in 64 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

In Grant County, the creation of a new taxing district to pay for the county’s only library is on the ballot. After county budget officials determined last year that axing the library was the best option to cover a $1.5 million county budget shortfall, residents created the Save Our Library Committee to come up with solutions. Every town and city in the county has since passed a resolution in favor of the Grant County Library District, and the committee was able to secure enough signatures to get the question of taxing 50 cents on every $1,000 of assessed property value on primary ballots to pay for the library.

City charters

In 10 cities and one county, more than a dozen measures would change or modernize local charters, which are a sort of local constitution laying out local governance rules.

In Eugene, voters will decide whether to change their city charter to end the requirement that city department heads live within city limits and will decide whether to remove gender-specific pronouns from the charter when referring to individuals, instead using job titles or gender-neutral language.

Four separate ballot measures would ask voters in Corvallis whether to change the city charter to align more with one used by the League of Oregon Cities, a non-profit local governance association. Voters in Warrenton will take a similar vote on aligning with the League’s charter.

Annexation

Voters in Benton County will review the most ballot measures of any county in Oregon, and those in Philomath will have the greatest number of hyperlocal measures to decide. There are seven separate proposals to annex “island territories” that are not technically part of Philomath but are surrounded by enough of the city that residents and businesses on the islands receive city services without paying into the tax base that covers the cost of those services.

Philomath Mayor Christopher McMorran said voters he hears from are generally supportive of the annexations, but he also noticed some confusion. He notes that these are not being annexed for development, but rather to ensure residents and businesses benefiting from city services, who might be bordered on three sides by the city, are also paying into the system supporting those services.

In all, he estimates it would affect less than 20 landowners.

“As we looked at shoring up our budget, it felt like a fair ask to make sure everyone adequately shares in the costs,” he said.

Across the state in Wallowa County, voters will decide whether to end mandatory annual conversations about how to leave Oregon. Wallowa County in 2023 became one of more than a dozen eastern counties that expressed support for leaving Oregon to become part of Idaho, and the voter-approved ballot measure a group of residents now want to repeal required county commissioners to meet twice a year to discuss joining Idaho.

The Wallowa County group opposed to the mandatory meetings and the Greater Idaho Movement is asking voters to bring them to a close.

Matt McCaw, executive director of Greater Idaho Movement who led the 2023 measure said even if the meetings go away, “the issue is not going to go away.”

“The people of Eastern Oregon feel detached from Western Oregon and they would prefer the state level governance of Idaho over Oregon,” he said. “Do we think it would be valuable for the people of Wallowa County to continue to have these meetings? Absolutely. But we’re not going to mount a campaign to try to force these meetings to continue.” (SOURCE)

Oregon’s initiative to assist families in saving for college has surpassed four billion dollars. Known as Embark, this program, formerly the Oregon College Savings Plan, was established 25 years ago.

It enables families to accumulate funds for higher education with the benefit of tax-free growth. Participants can also receive an annual tax credit of up to 380 dollars, potentially amounting to over 6,800 dollars over an 18-year period. Currently, more than 150,000 residents of Oregon hold accounts within this program.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a collaboration with fellow lawmakers to introduce the Puppy Protection Act, aimed at enhancing the welfare of dogs in breeding facilities.

This legislation seeks to ensure that dogs are housed in safe environments, have access to outdoor spaces, and can engage regularly with both humans and other dogs. Key provisions of the act include improved enclosure standards that allow dogs to stand fully upright and require adequate space based on their size, as well as a mandate for unrestricted outdoor access for dogs over 12 weeks old.

Additionally, the act stipulates a daily socialization requirement of 30 minutes with humans and compatible dogs, alongside veterinary screenings before breeding attempts. It also limits breeders to two litters within an 18-month period and a maximum of six litters throughout a dog’s lifetime, while ensuring that retired breeding dogs are placed in humane environments, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.

SNAP interviews required for all households starting June 1st

Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.

This change returns SNAP to standard federal rules, which require interviews for all applications and renewals. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation. An interview must be completed before benefits can be approved.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some households were allowed to skip renewal interviews. This temporary flexibility ends May 31, 2026.

This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:

• All adults are age 60 or older or meet the SNAP definition of disability, and
• No one in the household has income from work

For some people, this may be the first time they complete a SNAP interview when renewing their benefits.

Interviews are a standard part of SNAP. They help:

• Confirm information
• Prevent errors
• Make sure people receive the correct benefit amount
• Connect people to the full benefits and services they may qualify for

What this means for people

People applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to complete an interview before their benefits can be approved or renewed.

“These updates help make sure people receive the correct SNAP benefits for their current situation,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, SNAP Director at ODHS. “We know adding another step may be challenging. Our staff are here to help answer questions and support people in the way that works best for them. Completing the interview and providing documents when requested helps us process benefits correctly and connect people to the full amount they qualify for.”

What people can do now

• Make sure ODHS has your current contact information
• Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview
• Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays
• Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you—online, by phone or in person

Learn more about SNAP at Oregon.snap.gov

Ways people can contact ODHS

• Online: Through a ONE Online account
• By phone: Call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

Weekend Train Rides Return to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for the 2026 Season

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to announce the return of its popular weekend train rides beginning May 23, 2026. Running every Saturday and Sunday through October 11, 2026, these family-friendly excursions offer passengers a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland aboard historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613.

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with a Special Steam Train Ride at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Historic Polson #2 Steam Locomotive Returns for a Memorable Family Experience

PORTLAND, Ore. — Families, train enthusiasts, and dads of all ages are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a one-of-a-kind steam train experience at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.

Guests will enjoy a nostalgic excursion powered by the legendary Polson #2 steam locomotive, offering the sights, sounds, and excitement of classic rail travel. Riders can feel the rumble of the locomotive, hear the iconic whistle, and experience the magic of traveling behind a living piece of railroad history.

This Father’s Day themed event includes festive décor and an onboard bar featuring snacks and refreshments available for purchase, making it the perfect outing for families looking to create lasting memories together.

Whether celebrating Dad, introducing children to historic trains, or simply enjoying a unique Portland experience, these special rides offer something for everyone.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $24
  • Seniors (65+) – $21.50
  • Military (with ID) – $21.50
  • Children (3-13) – $17
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

Train tickets include admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center—making it the perfect outing for train lovers, families, and visitors of all ages.

Perfect for families, visitors, and train enthusiasts of all ages, the scenic rides provide a unique opportunity to experience Portland from the rails. Guests can choose between riding in an open-air car or relaxing in a vintage air-conditioned coach while enjoying views of Portland’s skyline, the Willamette River, local wildlife, and the timeless charm of Oaks Park.

Each train ticket also includes admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where visitors can explore Portland’s rich railroad history and get an up-close look at historic locomotives and rail equipment.

Event Details:

• When: Saturdays & Sundays, May 23 – October 11, 2026
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $17
  • Seniors (65+) – $15
  • Military (with ID) – $15
  • Children (3-13) – $12
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $50
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

BLM Brings Oregon Folklife Programming to National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.

The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.

From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.

April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers

May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City

June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u

July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland

August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla

September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day

October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes

“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”

This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

The Junction City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing and possibly endangered person.

62-year-old Wade Felton Lloyd, of Junction City, was reported missing on November 20, 2025.  Mr. Lloyd was last seen on November 16^th in the area of Birch Street and 2^nd Avenue in Junction City. 

Mr. Lloyd normally stays close to the Junction City area, has close ties to his family, and his only transportation is an older motorized bicycle, which is also missing.

Mr. Lloyd is a slender white male, standing 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Mr. Lloyd is without his cell phone, wallet, and his medications.  

The Junction City Police have exhausted all leads as to his whereabouts and is hoping that the community might recognize him or recall where they last saw Mr. Lloyd.   If you have information regarding Mr. Lloyd or have seen him on or after November 16^th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

Find the mental health support you need

           Click the pic to see all resources